Tag: bible

I Samuel 20:18

Then Jonathan said to him, “Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.

The most difficult changes usually happen when our loved ones leave us. It marks an end to a season in our lives of great significance. Every time I think about those who have gone to receive their heavenly reward, my eyes get misty because it feels like only yesterday That they were here.

The verse marks an end to the face-to-face relationship between Jonathan and David. Jonathan knew that his father saw wanted to eliminate David. Jonathan also knew that the hand of the Lord was on David’s life. Jonathan willingly chose to release his best friend in order that God‘s will would be done. He knew that his father was not thinking properly. Jonathan chose to be selfless rather than feed into selfishness.

The difficult thing about any semblance of death or separation is the thin line between selfishness and selflessness. I wish that my heroes could see me now. I wish I could call them on the phone, ask for advice, and tell them how much their presence means to me. I wish I had one more chance to publicly acknowledge their greatness. However, I can’t help but think that my desire would’ve been an interference to their ultimate reward.

It is okay to grieve. It is okay to remember. It is okay to weep. It’s okay to wish for days gone by. It is also okay to remember that while their earthly seat is empty, they now sit in a higher place. They have received an eagle eyed view of everything you are doing. Celebrate their seat upgrade because now they can see you achieving greatness.

Matthew 11:28-29

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

The most insane thing that could happen to a person is laboring beyond your capacity. The world has taken hustle culture and exalted its position as if it’s the pinnacle of production. The truth is, nobody is truly effective without proper rest and management of their skills and ability.

Jesus says to us to find rest while yoked to him. The imagery is extremely interesting. Imagine seeing two cows yoked together while plowing a field. From the outside looking in, it would appear that both are pulling with equal strength. However, you have one cow who is older and the other cow who is younger.

The more experienced cow is able to handle a greater load than the younger cow. The younger cow may have more energy, but it is not prepared for the workload that is ahead. So the farmer yokes them together so that the younger can learn from the elder. The yoke is set in such a way that if the younger falters the elder can carry the weight and still accomplish what needs to be done.

I’m learning now that God doesn’t need me to get things done. I am chosen to make things happen, but I am limited in my humanity. When I understand and embrace my humanity, I must lean heavily on my big brother Jesus. I must find rest while on the journey, knowing that this race is not a sprint, but a marathon.

Today, take Jesus up on his offer. If the labor has taken you beyond the brink, allow Christ to give you rest. Allow Christ to lighten the burden, so that you can continue on the journey ahead. Manage your energy and your rest.

I Kings 19:9-10

There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”

Many times, we find ourselves isolated from the challenges and responsibilities of life. We deal with the internal struggle to continue in our mission and purpose. Sometimes, purpose can be an isolating feeling. The more we function in the will of God, the greater the distance we can feel from the elements of our lives.

We don’t always take the time to express ourselves. We don’t always feel safe enough to be honest about what we feel in moments of difficulty. We even struggle to tell God how we feel because we think it would demonstrate a lack of faith. Yet, God is always ready to hear our please, struggles, and concerns.

We must never take for granted the listening ear of our creator. We must take the healthy approach to relieve our stress and anguish so that we can continue on the journey that God has set for us. We must never forget that we serve a God who cares about all elements of our lives. Who knows? Our honesty with God may open the door to a solution to our struggle. Open yourself safely in the presence of God. God will always hold the deep things with care and sacredness.